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General discussion

Will you be moving to a dual-core processor soon?

Jan 24, 2006 6:48AM PST

Will you be moving to a dual-core processor soon?

Yes (Why and which one?)
No (What's holding you back?)
Maybe (Why or why not?)
I already have (Which one?)
I don't know what you are talking about

Discussion is locked

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Yep I've got one...
Jan 24, 2006 11:16AM PST

I lucked out in that my parents knew that I was thinking of getting one of the dual core CPU's from AMD so they got me one for Christmas and that was all i needed. I have the X2 4800 and so far I like what I see. It does run much cooler then my Athlon 64 3500 and seems twice as fast. I don't put much stock in benchmarks but I have seen a marked improvement especially when I'm using Nero and Photoshop CS. As for the current crop of games they run very well but once those designed to take advantage of the technology should be a major improvement. And once Vista has been out for a while we'll really find out just how well these new chips are.

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Me Too!
Jan 24, 2006 2:39PM PST

I have an AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ and it's fast. I've been a strong believer in Intel but in the last year or two, AMD has pulled away.

Actually, I didn't build my current computer; I bought it from Velocity Micro. They make high quality machines. When I told the tech person that I wanted a dual core system because of specific software I have that works fastest in a multi-processor environment, and was asking about the Intel processors, he suggested that I take a hard look at the AMD X2. BTW, my software program takes advantage of multiple processors, which my old P3 machine had 2 1Ghz Pentium cpus running in parallel. I checked further and found that this software treats dual core systems the same as multiple processors.

Anyway, this is my first AMD machine and I must say I am very happy with it. I believe anyone who does more than one thing at a time with a computer should get a dual core system. I often have 3 or 4 programs open at the same time. Just do it - be it AMD or Intel - get a dual core system!

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Intel CPU
Jan 24, 2006 11:17AM PST

Intel. I have used Intel processors & motherboards for over 18 years with no problems. I will stick with them.

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intel cpu's
Jan 24, 2006 11:38PM PST

yes, intel has been a good friend over the years. Stable, reliable, seemingly everything you need in a CPU. Until you try the AMD socket 939 chips.

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Not yet.
Jan 24, 2006 11:20AM PST

I'm going to get an AMD X2 processor when the prices come down.

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What is the point?
Jan 24, 2006 11:22AM PST

What good will it do for me? I use Photoshop with Windows XP. I don't need a new motherboard,memory and dual core processor.It is all a bunch of "not important to me".

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Stick with what works
Jan 24, 2006 11:26AM PST

I understand your thought but... if you were going to upgrade your PC, would you buy the best you could afford or just the same thing in a newer package?

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to upgrade or not to upgrade?
Jan 24, 2006 11:07PM PST

if you are only using adobe with win xp, and it works for you then you may not have a need to upgrade right now. However, if you are going to upgrade you have to think about future use. Do not upgrade based on what you do right now with a computer, upgrade based on what you might want to do in the near future with a computer. If you decide to upgrade, the AMD Athlon X2 3800+ might be what you need. Keep in mind that this is a socket 939 cpu so if you do not have that socket motherboard you will need to replace (check out the asrock dualstata 939 board, stable, cheap, and flexabile) As far as memory goes standard DDR should work, depending on your motherboard.

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Ah, no
Jan 24, 2006 11:30AM PST

What is the benefit of cutting edge? I know some people gotta be right on the cusp of the fastest possible speed. I built my current machine with equipment that is at least 6 months off the best stuff and that was 3 years ago. It cruises right along. When that price is affordable and there are applications that make the jump worthwhile, I'll move up. Maybe turn this machine into a radio for Winamp.

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the price is right
Jan 24, 2006 11:12PM PST

AMD Athlon X2 3800+ 320$
asrock dual sata 939 70$
ANTEC sonata 2 case 100$
2gb dual channel ram 170$
250 gb sata hd 110$
e-vga 7800gt pci-e 300$
standard DL dvd burner 50$
____
1120$

That is mere chump change for a high end desktop system that will handle anything you could throw at it.

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PowerMac G5
Jan 24, 2006 11:38AM PST

Most likely the G5 2.3 though I am really lenaing more to the 2.7GHz G5s more

Two reasons: 1., Change back to Apple and its stability and performance and 2, 64-bit computing

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moving to a dual-core
Jan 24, 2006 11:39AM PST

went to a pentium extreme editon 3.2.
dual-core x64.

Reason: 4 Hyper-threads instead of 2 normally,
2 meg L2 cache 2 meg L3 cache,
and the 64 bit.

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No I will not be moving to a dual-core processor soon?
Jan 24, 2006 11:41AM PST

No because for my home use what I have is sufficient. I don't need speed for games or any other uses speed is needed.

Perhaps when I upgrade in a couple of years then I will think of a dual-core processor,if Intel has one.

I have Windows XP on a Dell Deminsion 2400 and a x86 15 Model 2 Genuine Intel ~2192 Mhz.

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No
Jan 24, 2006 11:50AM PST

What am building the WOPR? I'm reading my email.

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Yes, I plan on moving to a dual core in 2006
Jan 24, 2006 12:14PM PST

The only decision is whether I go Athlon X2 3800+ as early as I can afford it or if I wait for Conroe/Allendale. There's no way I'd go with a Smithfield or Pressler Netburst CPU. I already have a P4 Northwood 2.8 gigahertz and the Northwoods were the only half way decent P4's.

Core Duo on the desktop sounds good, but is likely to be too expensive. My wife and I do 3D graphics, play games and mod, as well as record television to our hard drive with an All in Wonder card, so dual core multitasking sounds good to me.

I just want a dual core that does more work per clock cycle and that leaves out the current Prescott derived dual cores.

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Already Have
Jan 24, 2006 12:14PM PST

I am running an Intel p4 3.4 Ghz dual core processor under windows XP professional.

Only with a few applications can I see any dramatic improvement over my previous Intel 2.8 Ghz processor. In my judgment until the software get better at parsing out the job and balancing the load between the two CPU no remarkable improvement will be seen.

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Buying new Mac
Jan 24, 2006 12:18PM PST

My next purchase will be an iMac dual-core. the price and features are unbelievable, and OS X is rock stable and secure.

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Dual Core Processors
Jan 24, 2006 12:25PM PST

I would like to see an article telling how dual cores divide up the tasks. Also, what software will run and use the dual core feature?
What versions of Windows will work?
Do you need the latest version of software?
How does a 32 bit 3 year old application run on an AMD dual core vs an Intel.
These kind of answers might help decide:
Do I really want a Dual core?
Which one?
What is the real cost for total performance?

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Cnet.com has a nice comparison of AMD and Intel Dual Cores
Jan 24, 2006 3:00PM PST
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enjoy paying hundreds of dollars extra for nothing
Jan 24, 2006 12:32PM PST

the best hardware in the world is useless without the right software to take advantage of it.

but it will definitely relieve that heavy feeling in your wallet.

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Not entirely true...
Jan 24, 2006 3:21PM PST

Having software that can use both cores of a processor certainly is better. However, anyone who multi-tasks (and you may not be one of those persons but I am) can benefit from a dual core system. It is not uncommon at all these days to have several browser windows open along with an email and word processor program going. Many young people access a music site or use Windows Media player to play music while sufing.

Dual core systems don't bog down like single cpu systems. Certainly, there are many folks out there who, for what they use a computer for, don't need dual core. But there are large numbers out there who maximize the use of their computers - these folks will find dual core systems far better than the old single processor systems.

I've used a Dual CPU P3 system now for over 4 years, and will never go back to a single cpu or one core system. My current computer is a new AMD Athlon X2 4800+ (dual core, 64 bit capable) system, which replaced the old P3. BTW, I do have a software program that uses the dual cores but I am also very use to the response times of simply opening applications and moving from web page to web page with ease. I enjoy this sense of free movement.

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well that maybe good.
Jan 26, 2006 5:44PM PST

but as a hobist on a very tight budget I really have to wait for the cost to come down. and really I'am not the most demanding person on a computer anyway but I really do look forword (Lord Willing) to building a good 64 but system when I can afford it. By then the cost will be down some and there will be more programs out there to take advantage of the 64 bit systems..and anyone who thinks that the 64 bit cpu's won't make that big of a difference has forgot the sony ps 1..huge possiblity for improved graphics. so when I can I hope too.

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hundreds of dollars? look up the parts!
Jan 24, 2006 11:44PM PST

from newegg.com

AMD Athlon 64 3800+ Venice 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Processor Model ADA3800BPBOX - Retail

282$

AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Manchester 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Dual Core Processor Model ADA3800BVBOX - Retail

313$


We are only talking about a 31$ price difference here, its a no brainer!

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Probably not, but at least I know I can!
Jan 24, 2006 12:43PM PST

My new Alienware Area-51 3500 has a single core, hyper threaded Pentium 4 processor. With the board I have, I've got a foundation that will support a dual core, if I ever decide it's worth the price. For what I do though, it will most likely be unnecessary that I'd need one, so I'm voting no.

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Athlon X2 3800
Jan 24, 2006 12:45PM PST

I bought one of these bad boys right after christmas, and I have to say that for the money, it's the best processor I've ever purchased. Currently running it slightly OC'd on my A8N-SLI board with no problems, and the thing is insanely fast (especially, as would be expected, in multitasking).

At just a bit over the three hundred dollar mark, this was a great deal IMO. It's really great being able to encode video for my PSP and play a game or surf the net at the same time.

AMD, you've made a great processor.

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Maybe my next machine
Jan 24, 2006 12:46PM PST

I just plunked down 1900$ For a Sony RA Liquid Cooled Comp in Sept 04....at that price I'll be using this computer until I build one with an AMD proc. A word to sony======================
INTEL/SONY/MICROSOFT MEDIA CENTER EDITION Sucks bad.

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Roy has both..AMD Runs circles around dual core sooo slowww.
Jan 24, 2006 1:15PM PST

Maybe it's because it's a Dell...lol XPS400 is a really big scammmm intel & Dell put together..
Go to RIPOFFREPORT.com type in Dell XPS400...NUFF SAID

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I CAN IGNORE PERFORMANCE FIGURES FOR ATLEAST TWO MORE YEARS
Jan 24, 2006 2:02PM PST

As previous persons have said, these performance figures are just bragging rights. Only in benchmarks you see big differences that aren't realised or fathomed by people in everyday tasks.

I will line up my wallet when common hard drives can transfer 12-150GB(Gigabytes, not gigabits persecond)

A cheap hard drive starts at 15 terabytes or even an exabyte

Home Broadband transfers are the speed of a common ata 133 hard drive or even faster

and the new dell XPS 600 Renegade becomes a stand to put my feet on when watching a 50inch plasma i spent $1000 for.

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thats great
Jan 24, 2006 11:21PM PST

thats great, but some of us want to play MMORPG's at maxed settings. Some of us want to run 3-d modeling software quicker. You may be able to ignore the performance figures, but those that need (want) the high power CPU cannot.

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I already have! AMD X2 4200
Jan 24, 2006 2:20PM PST

I always had Intel Processors, but this time I decided to try an AMD. I have to say that it's amazing!!! I am a video gamer, so, I can see a huge difference between my former processor and the new one. I recommend AMD now.